Chapter 2 The Devil's possession

Benjamin's POV

New York is my fortress, and I am its king.

Its ruthless king.

From my black and gold throne high above the underground rink, I watched over the sinful scenes taking place-the half-naked, leather-clad, and rope-bound bodies lined on a stage. Nothing I haven't seen before. I don't feel any different.

This is an auction.

A place where humans are sold to pleasure-seeking members of society.

A safe space where people are bought-used to explore fantasies and kinks.

A place where closeted men buy younger men, using them for their bodies in a game of pleasure and submission.

"Our source confirmed Nikolai's presence here today." Standing tall and formidable beside me, Alexi-my second-in-command and half-brother-scanned every inch of the room.

The space was filled with elites-politicians, businessmen, and mob bosses-dressed in expensive suits, their faces hidden behind masks that showed only their eyes and lips.

I followed Alexi's gaze, locking on two unfamiliar men who'd just arrived.

Though I didn't know either by name-yet-they would've had to pay a handsome sum just to be considered for entrance, with another member vouching for them.

"They're our newest recruits," Alexi said. "They'll be the ones to transport Nikolai to the warehouse when we capture him."

Nikolai, that snake.

I trusted him. Put him in charge of my drugs and gun shipment that arrived at the port two days ago for safe transport to the warehouse.

And what did that bastard do?

He stole part of the shipment, thinking I wouldn't know. He seems to have forgotten-I have eyes everywhere. I know every damn thing that goes on in my empire.

One of my informants confirmed his name was on the invite list tonight. Hence, my presence.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The auction is about to begin." A voice announced from behind the curtain onstage.

"Hope our men are on standby," I said, glancing at Alexi.

"Yes, boss."

"Make sure he doesn't leave this place or try to escape. I want him brought to the warehouse alive. He will be an example to those who think they can steal from me and go scot-free."

My voice filled with the anger already rising inside me.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to THE VEIL. A place where we provide people to fulfill your darkest desires. Shuuuuuuu... I didn't say that." The announcer purred with a wicked laugh.

"Tonight, we've brought forward six of our finest young men-specially picked for your expensive tastes."

The stage, once dark, now shone with bright overhead lights, revealing the six young men displayed and ready to be sold to the highest bidder.

They were naked-exposed-with only a short silk cloth wrapped around their hips. The audience looked at them with hungry eyes. Some of the young men were clearly the age of their sons-or grandsons.

"To start the auction, Lot Forty-One. He is young, soft, and breakable." The announcer laughed.

"May the highest bidder win."

"$100,000."

"$200,000."

"$350,000."

"$350,000 going... going... and... sold."

As I analyzed the young men on stage, my eyes caught one in particular. The more I looked at him, the faster my heart beat.

He was different.

He looked everyone in the eye.

He looked scared-but defiant.

He looked unbroken, unlike the others.

Not a single tear streaked his face.

"Uhmmmm..." Interesting. Intriguing. I thought to myself. His body looked like he worked out every fucking day of his life. And his lips-fuck-they looked delicious. Plump. Inviting. I imagined how they'd look wrapped around my lips.

Or around my cock.

How he'd take it... like a good boy, or would I have to force him into submission?

Fuck.

I was already hard-just thinking about whether he'd fight me... or let me in.

"Alexi. Get me everything on Lot Forty-Three," I ordered.

"Yes, boss."

Alexi put in a call.

"Hack into the Veil's camera system. Boss wants info on Lot Forty-Three. Now."

"Pico's on it, boss," Alexi reported.

"Good."

Damn right, I'm the boss. I have both men and women ready for my desires at my fingertips.

But this... this was different.

I just couldn't take my eyes off him.

"Lot Forty-Three," the announcer said coolly.

"Rare acquisition," he purred. "Young. Defiant. Untouched."

"He'll fight you," he added with a chuckle. "But isn't that part of the fun?" Laughter rippled through the room.

Bidding began.

$100,000.

$150,000.

$275,000.

$300,000.

"Boss." Alexi murmured beside me.

"Tobias Shane. Twenty-one. Orphan. Father abandoned him and his mother when he was seven. Mother died when he was twelve. His uncle, Miguel Rodriguez-a drunkard and drug addict-took him in. Dropped out of high school. Couldn't afford it anymore. Never been in a relationship. Virgin."

Virgin.

Untouched.

Fuck.

If anything, it made me harder.

"I'm going to buy him," I informed Alexi.

"Are you sure, boss?" he asked.

"Are you fucking questioning my decision?" I growled.

"Of course not." Alexi muttered through clenched teeth.

"One million," I said without blinking. My voice cut through the room like a scalpel.

Silence.

The announcer cleared his throat.

"We... have a bid of one million dollars for Lot Forty-Three. Going once. Going twice..."

"Sold."

The crowd erupted in polite applause. A bell rang overhead.

"It's going to be fun breaking him."

I muttered to myself with a smirk.

Will he fight me?

Or break easily?

"Interesting." I purred, still smirking.

My purchase was being dragged off stage-but not without putting up a fight.

In all my years attending auctions like this, I'd never purchased anyone.

I only came to show them who was still king of New York.

I didn't support the sale of young men to those hungry, desperate-looking men.

"Make sure he's taken to the private room. I'll be with him soon-and no one is allowed to lay a finger on him. I don't want damaged goods." I ordered.

"Yes, boss."Alexi bit out, glaring at the stage as he left.

I entered the private room and shut the door behind me with a soft click. My prize was already inside.

I studied him like a puzzle I was about to solve. I could feel how tense he was from where I stood.

He stared back carefully and deliberately-fear and defiance swirling in his eyes. How he could pull that off, in this situation, amused me.

I stepped closer.

I circled him once... then twice-like a predator.

Then I stopped behind him, feeling the tension radiating off his body.

"You're smaller than I expected," I whispered against his ear. He remained quiet. Still staring.

"Pretty, though." Still nothing. I chuckled.

"Do you know who I am, Forty-Three?" "No," he replied.

I snapped my hand into his hair, jerking his head back until his eyes met mine.

"I paid one million dollars for you," I said softly.

"Speak again without permission, and I'll make you regret it."

"My name is Benjamin Shaai," I said, moving in front of him.

"But you'll call me sir. Understood?" He nodded, his jaw tightening. I smirked.

I pulled a small pocket blade from my pocket-one my mother gave me-and sliced through the rope around his wrists. It fell to the floor.

I moved closer. I squatted in front of him.

"From now on," I said in a low voice, "you don't speak unless I allow it. You don't move unless ordered by me. You don't come unless I command it. Your pleasure is mine."

His chest heaved. "You belong to me, Tobias." I could see the questions in his eyes. I smirked.

"I make it my business to know what I own."

I rose to my feet and walked toward the door.

I paused.

"One last thing," I said without turning.

"There's no escape. Try to run, and I'll make sure you beg me to kill you." I opened the door and walked out.

Alexi and my head of security, Dimitri, were waiting. "Nikolai's been captured and taken to the warehouse," Alexi informed me. "Good," I replied, adjusting my cufflinks.

Then I faced Dimitri. "Have Tobias taken to the estate. I want him in the room next to mine."

"The driver's outside," Alexi added. "The guns are ready to be shipped to Monaco after your inspection."

"Let's go," I said, walking down the dimly lit hallway. My mind wandered back to Tobias.

Will he surrender?

Or will his defiance last?

"It's been a long time since I've indulged in something like this." I smirked.

Let the fucking game begin.